'Not really thinking about No. 1': Coco Gauff prioritizes Grand Slams after ranking rise

Coco Gauff spoke about her new rise in the ranking – to world No. 2 – and her desire to become world No. 1. However, the American admitted that there’s ‘not really that much in my mind’, as her main focus is on Grand Slam titles.

The 21-year-old has had a great performance in recent weeks, reaching the final at the Madrid Open (loss to Sabalenka) and the quarterfinals at the Rome Open, where she still awaits her next match this Tuesday against Mirra Andreeva.

With 8 wins in her last 9 matches, Gauff benefited from Swiatek's point loss to advance to world No. 2, a position she is guaranteed to hold once the tournament ends, considering that Jessica Pegula (No. 3) was also eliminated early.

While there is still a significant point difference with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (more than 4,000) and it is mathematically impossible for Gauff to reach the top in the coming weeks, things will eventually tighten as Sabalenka has more points to defend, and chances will arise for Gauff to continue advancing.

In a recent interview with Tennis Channel, the American stated that reaching No. 1 is not her main focus, but it is definitely something she hopes to achieve at some point in her career. “It’s not really that much in my mind, because i really want another Grand Slam, so honestly is not something that i think about it,” she said.

“Obviusly is something i want to touch n my career and maintain too. So yeah, it’s definitely something i want to do, but it’s not fully in my mind, i’d rather take away some more trophies, Slam trophies, than that, but obviiously that would come if i can win.”

Gauff will face world No. 7 Mirra Andreeva this Tuesday, in what will be a rematch of their match in Rome two weeks ago, where Gauff emerged victorious without complications 7-5, 6-1. It will be the 4th meeting between the two, following 3 wins for Gauff (5-1 in sets).